All of football’s waiting ends today. At 1am Bangladesh time, in the early hours of Sunday, defending champions Argentina and European power Spain meet in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Before the title showdown, the world has one question: who will lift the golden trophy?
Seeking a probable answer, the statistics-based analysis firm Opta supercomputer has published its forecast. In its mathematical analysis, Spain are slightly ahead of Argentina over the regulation 90 minutes. According to Opta, Spain have a 45.1 percent chance of winning in normal time, against 29.4 percent for Argentina, with a 25.4 percent chance the match goes to extra time or is decided on penalties. So while Spain are favoured on paper, there is a strong chance the match does not end in regulation — extra time or penalties cannot be ruled out on a stage as big as a World Cup final.
History says neither side is clearly ahead in their meetings. Across international friendlies and competitive tournaments, Argentina and Spain have met 14 times, each winning 6, with 2 draws. This balance in head-to-head meetings has only heightened the final’s tension. But statistics do not always have the last word in football: Argentina repeatedly showed their mental strength by fighting back from adversity throughout the tournament, while Spain played consistent, attacking, rhythmic football. So although the supercomputer favours Spain, the World Cup title will ultimately be decided by 90 — or if needed 120 — minutes at MetLife Stadium, with the drama of a penalty shootout also possible as the final chapter.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report